“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Protected Classes – Who are they?

Most employers have heard of the classes that are protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – race, color, national origin, sex, and religion. But many employers aren’t aware that there are other federal and state laws that create protected classes, and that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and courts around the nation have the power to expand the definitions of these classes.

For instance, in a landmark ruling last month, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals found that workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited under the Civil Rights Act because it falls under the definition of “sex.”

So, what does this mean for employers?
• This ruling only affects Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, but it makes it more likely that courts across the country will start interpreting sex to include sexual orientation. It also makes it more likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case on the topic and establish nationwide law.

• Illinois and Wisconsin already have state laws that create employment protections based on sexual orientation, so there are no new action items for employers in those states, unless of course they weren’t aware of those state laws.

• Employers in Indiana should ensure that their policies and practices do not allow for discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Interestingly, the EEOC has interpreted sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity for several years, hence our longstanding advice that employers treat those as protected classes. The HR Support Center has everything you need to stay on top of this issue at both the state and federal level, and we’ll keep you informed when new laws require employer action.

Leave a comment

Never miss an opportunity to earn HRCI/SHRM credits, identify a mentor, or connect 1:1 with another HR Girlfriend in your city or across the country.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Author picture

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
All
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
HR Q&A

Q&A: A remote employee told us they were injured at home during their workday. What are our responsibilities?

When an employee informs you that they were injured while working from home, take the claim seriously and follow your usual procedure for a workplace ...
Read More →
Affirmation

Affirmation: My choices today support my goals for tomorrow

Each day is a reminder that I am one step closer to my goals. Keeping that in mind helps me to stay on track with ...
Read More →
Career Mondays

Career Monday: How to Make the Most of Working from Home

Working from home is becoming much more common. On the surface, it sounds ideal. You can work in your robe while you talk to your ...
Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap